Bandicoot Tipoki won a thrilling williamhill.com Greyhound Derby final at Wimbledon Stadium on Saturday night.

A bumper crowd saw 13 top-class races at the refurbished stadium.

An entry of more than 200 dogs had been whittled down to six finalists aiming to land the £75,000 first prize.

The Derby Roar from the new grandstand sprang up as the dogs started the 480m race and all six finalists looked in with a chance of winning at one stage.

In the end, Bandicoot Tipoki who was first across the line, just ahead of the Hungarian entry Lyreen Mover.

The favourite Toomaline Jack and Lyreen Mover had been battling it out for first place, but left a gap for Bandicoot Tipoki to exploit and he edged in front at the line.

Bandicoot Tipoki’s victory means Charlie Lister has equalled Leslie Reynolds’ record of training five Derby winners.

Lister could not hold back his emotion as he and owner Ray White took to the podium to lift the Derby trophy.

Keith Hallinan, general manager of Wimbledon Stadium said: “The first Derby in our new Grandstand will be one that is remembered for years to come.

“How many times the lead changed hands in 480m was breathtaking.

“It was fitting to have such a great race cap a wonderful occasion.

“The team at the track worked very hard in a new environment and the reports we received about the quality of the night are testament to them.”

David Hood, spokesman for sponsors William Hill said: “It was a fabulous evening of racing over all, culminating in a terrific final – a really exciting race and a great result for one of greyhound racing’s legendary trainers.

"The atmosphere on the track on Saturday night was electric and all credit to those at Wimbledon, they have worked very hard to get everything in place after the re-furbishment.”

After the success of the Williamhill.com Greyhound Derby, the Plough Lane stadium’s next big event is the Williamhill.com Grand National.

The hurdles race, over 480m, is set to feature Derby finalist Toomaline Jack.

Heats get under way on Friday, June 18, with the final on Tuesday, June 29.

For a fast-food meal and admission for £1: lovethedogs.co.uk